Shrek

English

Etymology

From the fictional ogre Shrek, created by the American author William Steig for his 1990 picture book Shrek! and popularized by the DreamWorks computer-animated movie franchise, whose name derives from Yiddish שרעק (shrek, “fright”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ʃɹɛk/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

Noun

Shrek (plural Shreks)

1. (slang, derogatory) An extremely ugly person.
   • 2009 January 9, Shaka Zulu, “Coolio should punch that ugly Shrek northerner woman in the nose”, in free.uk.tv.bigbrother‎^[1] (Usenet):

     [See title]

   • 2012, Clodagh Murphy, Frisky Business:

     'Well, well, well, who have we got here? 'A very fat Shrek suddenly loomed up on them. 'Your host at your service,' he said, with a little bow.

   • 2016, Jadyn Patrilita, Petimara Ualesi, Fear to Lose:

     'I don't want my sister to see you look like a mess, like an ugly Shrek.'

   • 2017 May 27, Rekha Shankar, “A Few Simple Tips for Curly-hair Care”, in The New Yorker:

     How do you dry your hair? NO DIFFUSER? You are a Shrek. Diffusers are essential!

Related terms

• Shrekkie
• Shrekky

Anagrams

• Kehrs, Kersh, Sherk